Method and apparatus for starting an explosion proof heater

ABSTRACT

A method and an apparatus for starting an explosion proof heater. A first step involves providing a portable generator, a transformer transforming a primary output voltage of the portable generator to a secondary output voltage suitable for starting the explosion proof heater, and power cables. A second step involves positioning the portable generator remotely from the explosion proof heater. A third step involves transforming the primary output voltage of the portable generator to the secondary output voltage with the transformer. A fourth step involves passing the secondary output voltage through the power cables from the transformer to the explosion proof heater until the explosion proof heater is capable of sustained operation without the secondary output voltage.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for starting an explosion proof heater.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Explosion proof catadyne type heaters are used to provide heat in environments where traditional heaters would be dangerous. There are some environments in which explosion proof heaters are required by law, such as environments in which hazardous gases may be present from time to time. Other environments in which explosion proof heaters are used include paint chambers, telecommunication buildings, and mines.

[0003] In the oil and gas industry, explosion proof heaters are started by running cables from the battery of a service vehicle. The heaters do not produce a flame. This makes them ideal for hazardous environments, but makes them very difficult to ignite. In cold weather, it can take one or two hours to get an explosion proof heater going.

[0004] It is common for damage to occur to the alternator or battery of the service vehicle after prolonged use. Sites requiring explosion proof heaters are often remote sites. Should the service vehicle sustain damage while unsuccessfully attempting to start an explosion proof heater, stranded service personnel can be placed in danger of freezing.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] What is required is a new method and apparatus for starting an explosion proof heater.

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided an apparatus for starting an explosion proof heater which includes a portable generator capable of being positioned remote from the explosion proof heater and a transformer capable of transforming a primary output voltage of the portable generator to a secondary output voltage suitable for starting the explosion proof heater. Power cables are provided which are adapted for connecting the transformer to the explosion proof heater.

[0007] According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method for starting an explosion proof heater. A first step involves providing a portable generator, a transformer transforming a primary output voltage of the portable generator to a secondary output voltage suitable for starting the explosion proof heater, and power cables. A second step involves positioning the portable generator remotely from the explosion proof heater. A third step involves transforming the primary output voltage of the portable generator to the secondary output voltage with the transformer. A fourth step involves passing the secondary output voltage through the power cables from the transformer to the explosion proof heater until the explosion proof heater is capable of sustained operation without the secondary output voltage.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] These and other features of the invention will become more apparent from the following description in which reference is made to the appended drawings, the drawings are for the purpose of illustration only and are not intended to in any way limit the scope of the invention to the particular embodiment or embodiments shown, wherein:

[0009]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an apparatus constructed in accordance with the present invention being used in accordance with the teachings of the present method.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0010] The preferred embodiment, an apparatus for starting an explosion proof heater generally identified by reference numeral 10, will now be described with reference to FIG. 1.

[0011] Structure and Relationship of Parts:

[0012] Referring to FIG. 1, there is provided an apparatus for starting an explosion proof heater 12 which includes a portable generator 14 that is capable of being positioned remote from explosion proof heater 12, and a transformer 16 capable of transforming a primary output voltage of portable generator 12 to a secondary output voltage suitable for starting explosion proof heater 12. In the illustrated embodiment, explosion proof heater 12 is housed within a building 18 while portable generator 14 is mounted on a service vehicle 20 that is parked outside of building 16, however it will be appreciated that explosion proof heater 12 could be located anywhere, and portable generator 14 need not be mounted on service vehicle 20, so long as portable generator 14 is positioned remote from explosion proof heater 12. Power cables 22 are provided which are adapted for connecting transformer 16 to explosion proof heater 12. They are usually passed through a doorway 24 of building 18. In some installations power cables 22 are passed through an open window, in other installations a special port is provided through the wall to facilitate connection.

[0013] Operation:

[0014] The use and operation of apparatus for starting an explosion proof heater generally identified by reference numeral 10, will now be described with reference to FIG. 1.

[0015] Referring to FIG. 1, apparatus 10 is provided as described above. Portable generator 14, which has been mounted on a service vehicle 20, is placed at a position remote from building 18 in which explosion proof heater 12 is located. Power cables 22 are used to connect transformer 16 to explosion proof heater 12 through a doorway 24 of building 18. Primary output voltage of portable generator 14 is transformed to the secondary output voltage with transformer 16. Secondary output voltage is then passed through power cables 22 from transformer 16 to explosion proof heater 12 until explosion proof heater 12 is capable of sustained operation without the secondary output voltage.

[0016] In most applications the primary output voltage produced by portable generator 14 will be approximately 110 volts. The secondary output voltage after passing through transformer 16 will be approximately 12 to 24 volts. The operation of apparatus 10 is completely separate from the operation of service vehicle 20. The operation of apparatus 10 does not affect the operation of service vehicle 20, so there is much less chance of service personnel being left stranded.

[0017] In this patent document, the word “comprising” is used in its non-limiting sense to mean that items following the word are included, but items not specifically mentioned are not excluded. A reference to an element by the indefinite article “a” does not exclude the possibility that more than one of the element is present, unless the context clearly requires that there be one and only one of the elements.

[0018] It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that modifications may be made to the illustrated embodiment without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter defined in the Claims. 

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows:
 1. An apparatus for starting an explosion proof heater, comprising: a portable generator capable of being positioned remote from the explosion proof heater; a transformer capable of transforming a primary output voltage of the portable generator to a secondary output voltage suitable for starting the explosion proof heater; power cables adapted for connecting the transformer to the explosion proof heater.
 2. The apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein the primary output voltage of the portable generator being 110 volts and the secondary output voltage of the transformer being between approximately 12 to 24 volts.
 3. An apparatus for starting an explosion proof heater, comprising in combination: an explosion proof heater; a portable generator positioned remote from the explosion proof heater; a transformer transforming a primary output voltage of the portable generator to a secondary output voltage suitable for starting the explosion proof heater; and power cables connecting the transformer to the explosion proof heater.
 4. The apparatus as defined in claim 3, wherein the primary output voltage of the portable generator being 110 volts and the secondary output voltage of the transformer being between approximately 12 to 24 volts.
 5. The apparatus as defined in claim 3, wherein the portable generator is positioned on a service vehicle.
 6. A method for starting an explosion proof heater, comprising the steps of: providing a portable generator, a transformer transforming a primary output voltage of the portable generator to a secondary output voltage suitable for starting the explosion proof heater, and power cables; positioning the portable generator remotely from the explosion proof heater; transforming the primary output voltage of the portable generator to the secondary output voltage with the transformer; and passing the secondary output voltage through the power cables from the transformer to the explosion proof heater until the explosion proof heater is capable of sustained operation without the secondary output voltage.
 7. The method as defined in claim 6, the primary output voltage of the portable generator being 110 volts and the secondary output voltage of the transformer being between approximately 12 to 24 volts.
 8. The method as defined in claim 6, the portable generator being positioned on a service vehicle. 